New to Heligan Night Garden 2024 lantern display in Cornwall

Heligan Night Garden is back for 2024, with its wildlife-inspired lantern installations dotted along a trail through the gardens.

If, like me, you prefer not to start Christmas until December 1, Heligan hits the right balance between seasonal fun while gearing up for the festivities later on.

Youngsters come face to face with a giant bee (Image: Hugh Hastings/Lost Gardens of Heligan) With a robin, foxes, deer and field mouse among the glowing lantern display, there is an autumnal feel to it at this time of year, although with festive elements to it to make you feel Christmasy in the run up to December 25.

There are interactive parts to the trail too – including roasting marshmallows over the fire pit, and a snow machine that delighted my daughter. Watching the ‘flakes’ fall over the yard, with a decorated tree and fairy lights in the background, I could feel the twinges of Christmas excitement.

A festive stopping point (Image: Falmouth Packet) This year’s new arrivals include a family of foxes and a wall of creepy crawlies, joining many of the much-loved favourites such as the kingfisher, lit-up ladybirds and cascade of rainbow umbrellas.

The delight of the trail is you never know which creature you’re going to come face-to-face with next.

Not one for the arachnophobes! (Image: Falmouth Packet) “Every year we add new sparkle and excitement to our Night Garden,” explained Laura Chesterfield, head of garden experience at Heligan.

“Whether a visit is an annual tradition or you’re experiencing Heligan after-dark for the first time, everyone from curious little ones to couples and groups of friends will enjoy the magic of our nighttime wonderland.

“Inspired by and working with the natural flora and fauna of our historic estate, the Night Garden bathes Heligan in a winter glow that’s not-to-be missed.”

The ever-popular rainbow umbrellas (Image: Andy Wilson) Another highlight is the magical woodland area, filled with thousands of twinkling lights. If you were a fan of the Magic Faraway Tree as a child, this is the area for you; I could almost hear the ‘wisha-wisha’ whispering of the trees.

This year there is also not one but two new installations from augmented art specialists Squidsoup.

One of the new installations from Squidsoup (Image: Hugh Hastings/Lost Gardens of Heligan) Following the success of the glowing ‘orbs’ set to music last year, this year’s trail features an orb canopy and a second area dedicated to sound and motion – a captivating installation of moving light and sound crescendo and decrescendo.

“It sounds like a heartbeat,” remarked my daughter – and it did.

A magical woodland mushroom (Image: Andy Wilson) Heligan Night Garden is now open on various dates until January 4. Entry starts from £20.50 for adults and from £11 for children. Under-threes and Essential Companions go free.

For more information and to book, visit www.heligan.com

• See more photos in the gallery at the top of the page.